Health care utilization and risk of infection and bleeding among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes with/without transfusions, and with/without active therapy.

This study utilized claims data from a national US commercial health insurer to examine rates of cytopenia-related complications (significant bleeding, infection) and health care utilization (emergency room visits, inpatient hospitalizations) among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) within predefined periods of transfusion activity and active therapy. Periods with no transfusions, regardless of relationship to treatment intervention, were associated with lower rates of cytopenia-related complications. These data suggest that eliminating or reducing the need for transfusions may help to reduce MDS-related medical problems, and treatment toward that goal should be considered in patients with MDS needing transfusions.